Understanding iPhone error messages

What do iPhone error messages mean? Of course, it depends on the iPhone error message in question. Each one means something different. However, with our guide to iOS error messages you’ll soon know what each iPhone error message means.

The iPhone is a reliable device to use, but our guide will help you through some common iOS errors

Compared to most computers the iPhone is a wholly reliable device. You spend a lot less time maintaining, and fixing an iPhone than a computer to keep it working.

Even so, mistakes do happen, and when one does you might get an error message flash up. Sometimes it will appear on the iPhone screen as an alert, sometimes it will appear on the Mac screen when you connect an iPhone to a Mac.

The iPhone error message may say something like "The iPhone cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred" or just show a picture of the Lightning connector cable and an iTunes logo. What do these iPhone error messages mean? This guide to iOS errors will help you understand them.

The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (53)

Error 53 has been a slow burner. It may have been affecting people as early as 2014, and appears to have come along with the launch of either iOS 8 or iOS 9; but it started making headlines in February 2016, when significant numbers of iPhone and iPad users reported that it was bricking their devices.

Error 53 appears when iOS detects non-official components - particularly the Touch ID fingerprint sensor - in your device, generally after you've had them replaced by an unauthorised third-party repair company. Apple says this was intended as a factory test to ensure that components were working correctly, but it's caused numerous problems in the wild.

Fortunately, Apple finally relented and released a patched version of iOS 9.2.1 that deals with the problem (well, it unbricks the device, but it still locks out Touch ID if you're using a non-official Home button component). Here's how to fix Error 53.

This accessory is not made to work with iPhone

This one will appear if you plug an old device into a new iPhone. It may also Cable or Accessory is not certified, and may not work reliably with this iPhone. This warning appears when plugging the iPhone (or iPod touch) into a dock or speaker system. This lets you know that the iPhone cannot control the device, but it can charge through it. In the case of uncertified cables we'd be careful. There have been reports of third-party chargers not meeting health and safety standards.

If you don't have a device attached to your iPhone then it could be in trouble. Check for debris in the socket, sometimes dirt can be inside the dock connector causing the iPhone to think it's attached to something when it isn't. iFixIt recommends cleaning out the dock using a toothpick. If there is no debris try to restart the iPhone by holding down the Home Button and Sleep/Wake button for 10 seconds.

The iPhone cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred

This error message appears in Mac OS X when syncing your iPhone to a Mac computer. It also contains a number in brackets, such as (13019). This error is letting you know that the iPhone can’t sync, what it isn't telling you is that this is because you need to update iTunes.

To update iTunes, click on Apple > Software Update when iTunes is open on your Mac. See: Apple Support

If your iPhone still won't sync, try updating the software on the device itself by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

iPhone Temperature warning

Sometimes you will see a temperature warning on an iPhone. The screen will turn black and a yellow warning triangle will appear. Alongside the warning is a message: “iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it”. Leave your iPhone alone in a cool place until the temperature sensor decides that the iPhone is safe to work again. The iPhone will start of its own accord.